Effect of additives on the electrochemical behaviour of zinc anodes for zinc/air fuel cells

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 160; no. 1; pp. 161 - 164
• Main Authors: Lee, Chang Woo, Sathiyanarayanan, K., Eom, Seung Wook, Kim, Hyun Soo, Yun, Mun Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 29.09.2006; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellulose; Dendritic growth; Electrochemical behaviour; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Hydrogen overpotential; Lead oxide; Zn/air fuel cell; Lead oxide; Hydrogen overpotential; Dendritic growth; Electrochemical behaviour; Zn/air fuel cell; Cellulose; Power density; Costs; Anode; Hydrogen; Energy density; Dendrite; Additive; Electrochemical properties; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.01.070

Due to its low cost and high power density, the Zn/air energy system is considered to be a promising power energy source. Furthermore, Zn/air technology could be used as either an electrically or a mechanically rechargeable system. Electrical recharging is problematic, however, due to the formation of zinc dendrites. Similarly, hydrogen overpotential plays a major role. The present study attempts to reduce dendrite formation and raise hydrogen overpotential through the addition of cellulose and lead oxide, respectively. It is concluded that cellulose reduces dendrite formation to some extent. It also works well to raise the hydrogen overpotential even in the absence of lead oxide.